A brave ranger apprehended a gang of ‘five heavily-armed suspected rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) this weekend’ reports the Lowvelder News.
Tragically, the suspected poachers had five fresh rhino horns in their possession as well as a high-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and other poaching equipment. Their vehicle, a kombi, has been impounded as part of an investigation.
The incident took place in the park’s Malalane section after an intelligence-driven operation.
General manager of communications for the KNP, Isaac Phaahla, expressed gratitude that the ranger was not hurt during the operation.
‘We are grateful for his braveness, but even more grateful that no harm came to him.’
‘The arrests followed the discovery of two fresh rhino carcasses. The dead animals had been covered with grass and twigs to try and hide them from sight and delay their discovery,’ said Phaahla. He was saddened that at least two rhino had been killed by the poaches, rather being caught before firing a single shot.
According to the Lowvelder, ‘The section ranger immediately deployed his rangers around the area to look for possible suspicious vehicles.’
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